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Expat Exchange - Insider's Guide to the Health System in Czechia
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Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic


Insider's Guide to the Health System in Czechia

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Urban Address Prague
Urban Address Prague

Summary: Discover the realities of the healthcare system in Czechia and how it may serve expats, digital nomads, retirees, and others who relocate or reside in the country.

The healthcare system in Czechia is a combination of public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The exact name of the public healthcare system is Všeobecná zdravotní pojiš?ovna (VZP). Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Czechia, however, it is not widely used by foreigners. People generally recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Czechia are generally well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Czechia's Private Healthcare System

Czechia also has a private healthcare system, which is funded by private health insurance companies. Private medical care is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is often faster and more convenient. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and people generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Czechia are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Czechia's Top Hospitals

Some of the most well-known hospitals in Czechia include:

  • University Hospital Motol (public hospital located in Prague)
  • University Hospital Brno (public hospital located in Brno)
  • University Hospital Olomouc (public hospital located in Olomouc)
  • Na Homolce Hospital (private hospital located in Prague)
  • Fakultní nemocnice u sv. Anny v Brn? (private hospital located in Brno)
  • Fakultní nemocnice Hradec Králové (private hospital located in Hradec Králové)

Health Insurance Companies in Czechia

The most popular private health insurers in Czechia are VZP, OZP, and VZP-?R. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Czech Rep: How to Navigate the Health System

"Czechia has a well-developed healthcare system, providing a wide range of medical services to its citizens. The country has a network of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that offer a variety of treatments and services, including general and specialized medical care, preventive care, and emergency services. Czechia also has a number of specialized medical centers that provide specialized treatments such as oncology, cardiology, and neurology. In addition, Czechia has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription and over-the-counter medications," commented one member living in Czechia.

"Healthcare services in Czechia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is generally of high quality. It is available to all citizens and foreign residents, including expats, who are registered with the Czech healthcare system. Expats in Czechia can use the public healthcare system by registering with a local doctor and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access public healthcare services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Private healthcare services are also available in Czechia, but they are generally more expensive than public services," commented one member living in Czechia.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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Urban Address Prague

Urban Address Prague
Urban Address Prague

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

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